The One Thing Study enables focused engagement with God's word, serving as a foundational step in the disciple-making journey. This simple yet powerful method is designed to be easily passed on to disciples, encouraging them to read, obey, and share God's word. The study consists of three steps, summarized by the acronym O.N.E.
O = Observe
Start by reading a passage of Scripture. Passages are the basic units of thought in the Bible. Begin with a book in the New Testament and read through it gradually. Identify the One Thing that stands out the most—whether it's a word, phrase, or sentence. Choose something small, like a word or phrase, that is easy to recall throughout the day.
N = Note
Once you've identified your "One Thing," mark it by underlining, highlighting, or circling it. This will make it readily accessible for personal reflection or sharing with others.
E = Express
Allow God's word to prompt a response. Let your love for God inspire loving obedience, such as an expression of thanksgiving, prayer, or a specific action. The goal is to move beyond mere knowledge into practical application. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey me." (John 14:15 NLT). Scripture is intended to transform us.
O = Observe
Start by reading a passage of Scripture. Passages are the basic units of thought in the Bible. Begin with a book in the New Testament and read through it gradually. Identify the One Thing that stands out the most—whether it's a word, phrase, or sentence. Choose something small, like a word or phrase, that is easy to recall throughout the day.
N = Note
Once you've identified your "One Thing," mark it by underlining, highlighting, or circling it. This will make it readily accessible for personal reflection or sharing with others.
E = Express
Allow God's word to prompt a response. Let your love for God inspire loving obedience, such as an expression of thanksgiving, prayer, or a specific action. The goal is to move beyond mere knowledge into practical application. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey me." (John 14:15 NLT). Scripture is intended to transform us.
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Simple doesn't mean shallow. The One Thing Study is a transformative tool for engaging with God’s word. It’s not just simple—it's deeply impactful because it connects readers with the precise words God has chosen for them. Unlike devotionals, which offer someone else’s selection of words, the One Thing Study provides the exact message intended for you by the Holy Spirit. Consistent meditation on these words can lead to a significant transformation (2 Timothy 3:15-17, Psalm 119:97).
Disciple-making begins with personal, vertical worship before moving outward to witness. Our experiences with God shape what we express about Him publicly.
The One Thing Study is essential for teaching new disciples, embodying the principle of teaching someone to fish rather than just giving them a fish. It offers spiritual nourishment that lasts a lifetime.
Incorporate the One Thing Study into your daily prayer life. Use your "One Thing" in prayers for your family, friends, disciples, and the day ahead.
This study is not a "daily" devotional tool. Don’t let perfectionism hinder your progress; missing a day or two does not require extra effort to "catch up." Avoid merely going through the motions without genuine engagement. As Rick Warren states, we are as spiritually mature as we choose to be.
The One Thing Study is revealing in nature. Sharing insights from it is akin to using a spiritual stethoscope to listen to someone’s heart. It uncovers the true nature of a person’s relationship with God in a way nothing else can.
Disciple-making begins with personal, vertical worship before moving outward to witness. Our experiences with God shape what we express about Him publicly.
The One Thing Study is essential for teaching new disciples, embodying the principle of teaching someone to fish rather than just giving them a fish. It offers spiritual nourishment that lasts a lifetime.
Incorporate the One Thing Study into your daily prayer life. Use your "One Thing" in prayers for your family, friends, disciples, and the day ahead.
This study is not a "daily" devotional tool. Don’t let perfectionism hinder your progress; missing a day or two does not require extra effort to "catch up." Avoid merely going through the motions without genuine engagement. As Rick Warren states, we are as spiritually mature as we choose to be.
The One Thing Study is revealing in nature. Sharing insights from it is akin to using a spiritual stethoscope to listen to someone’s heart. It uncovers the true nature of a person’s relationship with God in a way nothing else can.
Resources
- Watch The Bible is Alive (2:09)
- View DMM Resources